Of course you always have to deliberate with the performing artist which suits him or her best. For example: I wanted to have the clinic on the 21st of September, Juan however told me that the 20th was a better date for him because of his other work in Rotterdam. So you have to be flexible an ready to adapt. I decided to let it take place on the 20th. This way Juan was more relaxed in his preparation towards the clinic at the day itself.
The reason to start early is because of the marketing. At Steenbeek Music we send out an e-mail to our customers and several media four weeks before the clinic takes place. This way people have plenty of time to sign in on the clinic and there is time to take care of a good organization.
If possible, always ask the artist for a technical patch sheet or rider and a personal rider. It makes it a lot easier to make sure that the artist is feeling relaxed during the day. And as we all know, a relaxed artist is performing at his best.
For this particular clinic, Juan has send me his personal rider and his technical patch sheet. So I made sure that all the required microphones and all the other stuff was there. This time we asked distributor Iemke Roos of Audio Technica microphones to take care of the miking and mixing. We normally do it as much as possible by ourselves using our own PA-system. It depends on what is asked.
But also his personal wishes are important. Is he using a special diet, does he drink beer or water during the clinic. All this is important to make it easier for the artist to perform. As organizer you show your professionalism which is also a good thing off course.
At Steenbeek Music I always make sure that the venue (we have an in-store space for clinics) is ready. All the chairs are set up, the stage is ready and banners of the brands that the artist endorses are put up. Also we try to have a (semi) professional photographer to make good shots during the clinic.
I prefer starting early on the clinic day. Most of the times the artist is coming to the venue around half past three. We start at eight so this way we have plenty of time to build up the drum set, have dinner and drink a cup of coffee before the clinic.
This way you avoid stress and save your hart for a few years extra.
There we have another thing. Building up the set. I always try to help unload the car and help building up. You can look at it as a kind of ‘roadie service’.
The next thing is sound checking. Let the artist play what he wants, let him get the sound he wants but be critical to what you hear. Normally you know how it has to sound in your own venue.
After the successful sound check it is time for dinner. Some artists prefer having dinner after the show (Simon Phillips for example: when I organized his clinic he just asked for some sandwiches before the clinic. Afterwards we had a great dinner in a restaurant nearby). And here comes what the artist prefer as dinner. If he does not like Chinese food, don't get it. You will see that most artists don't have crazy preferences like only blue M&Ms.
I like to work with a short break during the clinic. This way you can serve a drink to the visitors and they get a chance (if the artists likes it) to meet and have a short talk with the artist. But again, ask what the artist wants. Simon Phillips prefers to not have a break, Juan did not mind at all and invited the visitors to come to him and ask questions.
After the clinic I always help with breaking up and loading the car, make it fast, most of the time the artist has to drive home and go to work the next day. At Steenbeek we also have the custom to have drink afterwards and just chat for a while. Beer and some snacks, it works just great to make the day successful.
Hopefully you see what is done organizing a clinic. It is not just contracting a drummer and sit back and wait. Off course you can do it that way. But for sure, the artist will not play at his best.
Every clinic is a customized job and you always have to make sure the artist is happy coming at your venue and do his job. You are the facilitator, nothing more...but nothing less. By creating a good vibe artist and visitors are both to enjoy a wonderful evening.
Off course I don't do this all alone but together with my colleagues at Steenbeek Music. They take care of sending out the invitations, help building up and breaking off and so on.
In summary:
picking a date
sending an invitation to customers and media
arranging PA and personal preferences
Building up and sound checking
Diner
Clinic
Breaking up and loading
Lots of beer and snacks afterwards!
So now you know how to….organize a drumclinic. Use it when you’re about to do it yourself or just ask if you want to know more about it.
There is al lot going on in fall concerning drum clinics. In Nijkerk at Steenbeekmusic we have got a lot of experience organizing these events. Also as Beat Supplier I have gained a great deal of expertise in organizing the event “The Beat Goes On”. In general there is just one thing to do and that is to listen to the artist. Below you'll find how I do it.20 September 2011, drum clinic with Juan van Emmerloot at Steenbeek Music in Nijkerk. I will try to explain how I organize this kind of event and what needs to be done before and during the clinic day.
At first you always have to keep in mind that the performing artist is leading. He has to perform at his best and you have to facilitate this.
Last Updated (Thursday, 29 September 2011 09:01)
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